Jesse Jackson Jr. Receives 30 Month Prison Sentence

WASHINGTON — Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. was sentenced to 2½ years in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to stealing more than $750,000 from his campaign fund and illegally using the money for personal purchases. “I was wrong and I don’t fault anyone,” he said.

“There may be blurred lines for congressmen to follow when their lives are political. This case did not come near those areas,” said U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson (no relation), saying that she must use Jackson Jr. as an example to maintain confidence in the system.

His wife, former Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th), was still awaiting sentencing Wednesday.

The former congressman, addressing the court, stopped several times before the judge, to blow his nose in a tissue. At one point, he tried talking again but whispered “I can’t see” because his crying was fogging up his glasses.

“I didn’t separate my personal life from my political life, and I couldn’t be more wrong,” he said. “I take responsibility for my actions.”

Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to stealing more than $750,000 from his campaign fund and illegally using the money for personal purchases — from Michael Jackson memorabilia, fur coats and a Rolex watch. His wife pleaded guilty to signing off on tax returns, knowing that the couple had underreported their income.